CESC FABREGAS is one to watch.

Within the space of just two years, the 39-year-old has completely transformed Como from Italian minnows to European contenders.

And it’s only a matter of time until a giant comes calling.

Fabregas led Como to a stunning 9-1 win against Lens away from home in the Champions League on Wednesday.

And that followed a 4-1 thrashing of Manchester United – where he even told his players to slow down after storming to a four-goal advantage.

Those results have put Como fourth in the Champions League standings, meaning they are in a great position to qualify for the knockouts at the first time of asking.

They will have also put Fabregas firmly on the radar of some European giants.

Should the managerial merry-go-round begin spinning once more in the coming months, the Premier League icon could find himself in the discussion – and deservedly so.

Fabregas began his journey at Como in July 2023 as head coach of the Under-19s.

Just four months later, he was promoted to interim first team head coach following the dismissal of Moreno Longo – despite not having a UEFA Pro coaching licence.

Because he was not fully qualified, the Spaniard was handed a special dispensation which allowed him to fill in for one month.

Then, Osian Roberts took over as caretaker until the end of the 2023/24 season.

Fabregas remained his right-hand man throughout while gaining his UEFA qualifications and helped the club earn automatic promotion to Serie A.

He was then formally appointed as permanent manager in July 2024 ahead of his debut Serie A campaign.

Como finished 10th at the end of his first season.

They jumped up to fourth in his second, earning them Champions League qualification.

The Blue and Whites currently sit fourth in the Italian top division, just five points adrift of leaders Lazio.

And if they continue building on that, Fabregas could be considered among Europe’s elite managers.

The Spaniard might find himself in contention for the Barcelona job if things don’t work out for Hansi Flick in the long term.

He spent several years at the club’s world-renowned La Masia academy growing up and returned to Catalonia at the peak of his career, so it would not be a surprise to see him be considered for the head coach role.

Fabregas could also seek a return to the Premier League with Arsenal or Chelsea – both of whom he played for – if positions become available.

Of course, another Italian job might be considered as well – he was reportedly approached by Inter last summer about taking over at the San Siro but turned it down.

But his ties to Como run deeper than just his managerial status.

He is also a minority shareholder in the club and has been since joining as a player in 2022.

It would take a big offer to tempt him away from Lombardy, but there is no doubt at least one will come his way soon enough.